How to write a lesson plan with AI

Describe the lesson length, topic, class size and level, and what students already know, then set a timed format and ask for [CHECK] marks on facts. You get a lesson plan with a clear objective, timings that add up and an understanding check, and you adapt it to your class.

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Who this is for

  • Classroom teachers who spend hours planning
  • Teachers planning a lesson on an unfamiliar topic
  • School leaders who want a consistent planning structure

What you need before you start

  • The topic, grade or subject, and lesson length
  • Class size and a short description of the level
  • What students already know
  • An AI tool your school allows

Worked example: Plan a 45-minute Grade 6 science lesson on the water cycle

The input

Act as an experienced Grade 6 science teacher.
Context: A 45-minute lesson on the water cycle. 26 students, mixed reading levels. They already know that water can be a liquid, a solid or a gas.
Task: Write a lesson plan.
Format: Learning objective, a timed schedule (starter 5 minutes, teaching 12, group activity 18, wrap-up 10), materials needed, and one question to check understanding at the end.
Limits: Use only well-established facts. Mark anything I should verify with [CHECK].

The output

Learning objective
Students can describe the main stages of the water cycle (evaporation, condensation, precipitation, collection) in their own words.

Timed schedule (45 minutes)
- 0 to 5 min, starter: ask "Where does a puddle go on a sunny day?" and collect ideas.
- 5 to 17 min, teaching: introduce the four stages with a simple diagram, linking each to what students know about liquid, solid and gas. [CHECK: wording of each stage for the Grade 6 curriculum]
- 17 to 35 min, group activity: groups of four build a labeled water cycle poster and explain it to another group. Pair stronger readers with those who need support.
- 35 to 45 min, wrap-up: each group shares one stage in a sentence; recap the cycle.

Materials needed
Diagram handout, chart paper, markers, sentence starters for mixed reading levels.

Check for understanding
"Describe what happens to water from a puddle until it falls again as rain."

Facts to verify
[CHECK: ensure the diagram shows condensation forming clouds and that precipitation includes rain, snow and hail]

What to check or change by hand

  • Check that the timings add up to your real lesson length (5 + 12 + 18 + 10 = 45)
  • Resolve every [CHECK] item yourself against your curriculum
  • Change at least one activity so it suits your room, class and resources
  • Decide how you will check understanding, and whether the question fits your students

Free template

Lesson plan prompt and checklist (Word) (DOCX), free with your email address.

Cautions

  • AI plans can look polished and still be unrealistic for your room, time or curriculum. Treat the plan as a draft you adapt.
  • Verify facts yourself, especially anything the AI marked [CHECK].
  • Do not paste student names or other personal data into an AI tool.

Frequently asked questions

Why give the AI the lesson timings?

With timings in the prompt, the plan fits your real lesson instead of a generic outline.

Why describe my class?

Class size and reading levels shape which activities work. Without them the AI gives a generic plan.

Do I still need to check the facts?

Yes. The prompt asks the AI to mark facts to verify with [CHECK], and you confirm each one against your curriculum.

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